Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold

Andrew Bynum recovering slowly, probably won't play this weekend

Lakers center Andrew Bynum won't be back as quickly as he hoped from a strained left Achilles' tendon.

Bynum planned to return to action later this week or early next week, but neither looked attainable as of Monday.

"I was hoping to, but I don't think it's going to happen," Bynum said. "I'm able to walk with minimal pain. I can't really walk very fast without feeling something. I'm just resting it, trying to stay off it as much as possible."

On Monday, Bynum missed his fifth consecutive game with the injury, which was sustained while he ran downcourt in a March 19 game against Minnesota.

Bynum will be re-evaluated Friday, but it looks as if the earliest he could return would be April 8 against Denver. He is averaging 15 points and 8.3 rebounds a game.